Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Sisters and friends

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If I could have seen these pictures a year ago, maybe I wouldn't have worried so much about Hope. Remember this post? I worried and worried and worried for nothing. I was sure we'd be dealing with some jealousy, anger, having conversations about sending the baby back to the orphanage. Acting out, aggression, withdrawal. I really expected something!

Instead, these two little girls are becoming the best of friends. Hope is Ava's biggest teacher, encourager, cheerleader, peer model, and friend. She (still) is the first to tell me when Ava wakes up, so I can bring her out to play, wants to help me change the diapers, mix up the food, pick out the clothes. She sings to her, fixes her hair, strokes her cheek, reads books to her, plays peek-a-boo, baby dolls, and blocks, carries her around, pushes her in the stroller. She tells complete strangers, "I'm 4 now, just like my baby sister!" And tonight she told me that what she loves best about Ava is how she grinds her teeth and does the splits like Elasti-girl. :)

For some reason blogger put these pictures in backward order, but here are a few sweet photos that I have of the two of them.

Here they are, waiting for Ava's school bus a few weeks ago.

One night I left the two of them on the bed snuggling and singing songs together. When I came back, this is what I found.
Going for a walk.....
Playing pat-a-cake
Being silly....
And the sweetest of all, the first day they met at the airport 10 months ago. I think it was love at first sight.

29 comments:

Chad and Dana said...

Oh my, what a couple of sweethearts!!!!
Had to hold back the tears seeing those precious pictures...they were meant to be...

Dalene said...

Oh my goodness...

They are just too too cute together!!! I can't stand it.

I'm also glad that Hope's favorite part is Ava's teeth grinding...ha ha...

Christy and Kevin said...

The pictures literally brought tears to me eyes. They are so sweet together and Hope is absolutely amazing with Ava!

Tim Rovenstine said...

This has to be the BEST post this fall. You've set the tone for us today. I too was worried about Hope, and she has really stepped into the batters' box and has exhibited God's Favor and Grace. Kudos.

Mamapierce said...

What sweet girls you have. I hope that Anna & Kristina will bond the way your girls have!

Marlita said...

How sweet! I am glad they don't have a Leisel/ Evi relationship when they were little.
I can't wait to see how they are together when they are older.

Mandy said...

I got tears and goosebumps at the same time while reading your post. I see Ava now but I just can't believe it.....her sitting up so straight and the glaze look completely gone. I think about where she would be right now if she was not with you and it fills my heart with joy that she is not in that place.
I know that Ava blesses your lives but your family gave her the chance to live that life by listening to Him. God bless you and your family:)

Anonymous said...

How precious. Those are priceless memories, thanks for sharing.

junglemama said...

What gentle kindred spirits. I love this post.

WheresMyAngels said...

Okay, anyone else have tears in their eye's! I know I do!!

Anonymous said...

Awww . . . so precious. :)

jennifer... said...

That blesses me so much, Charissa.  Ava has lots of "friends" in her family.

Liz said...

Such a touching post. I love the beautiful bond they share and was very moved by the pictures. Such beautiful little angels.

cheryl said...

This is the most touching post I have read in a long time. Thanks for sharing it with us. I can see how much Hope loves Ava and vise versa. It is beautiful.
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

What a precious pair! I am a bit concerned about Lilly accepting a new child into our family, and this really encourages me. Thank you!

:)
Justine

Susan said...

Hope and Ava are the very personifications of love...

Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pictures.

Susan in Ky

Anonymous said...

What a sweet post. I just love the pictures. I didn't even hold back the tears. They are just streaming down my face.
Catherine Hendrickson
p.s. My Ukrainian son told me he thinks I look like elasti-girl, my bottom, that is.

Carson's Mom said...

Oh my- what a sweet little girl. I would imagine that Hope is learning as much from Ava as Ava is Hope. That is wonderful that they have each other.

Kayla

Traci said...

ohhh a little piece of heaven, right here on earth. What a precious bond they have.. the pictures are priceless.

Yvonne said...

That's sweet. I can't wait for Olivia to have a little sister!

My name is Sarah said...

Oh how sweeet.

Robin said...

there are hardly even words to say how ...sweet and touching and awesome and wonderful everything about this is.

kirsten said...

It doesn't get more beautiful than that! Those are absolutely precious photos, that speak a lot....don't forget to frame them!!:)

Kerry Shealy said...

These pictures are priceless! Really...it's the love they have for each other that is priceless!

Joy Portis said...

Thanks for the tears of Joy! What precious blessings they are!

June Berger said...

Gosh, I must be awful weepy today, either that or have something in my eyes...

Beautiful girls.

Christina said...

OMG..that is just SO sweet Charissa!

Shea said...

I love those pictures of them together!!!

Bethany said...

Could that be any stinkin cuter? Payton always tried to hold Addison's hand in the car too, but they can't reach yet! LOL